President’s Report

Associate Professor Carol McKinstry | OTA President

Innovations in Practice

Occupational therapists are wellknown and regarded for innovation and extensive problem-solving skills. More than ever, innovation is required in everything we do – whether working with people with increasing complex needs, setting up or revising services, establishing private practices, or managing the many challenges of working during a pandemic. OTA has to be innovative to maximise its resources and deliver the services its members need. In turn, its members need to be innovative to deliver high-quality and relevant services. When considering what to write for this issue, I referred to our current strategic plan.

If OTA is to be a high-performing organisation resourced by quality people and systems, it needs to embrace innovation. For occupational therapists to have strategic influence and deliver optimal outcomes for individuals, organisations and communities, they need to be prepared for the future. To achieve excellence in research, practice and performance, we need to continually evolve to find better ways of working.

Innovation means introducing something new – such as an idea, method or device – that will create value. Breakthrough innovations are game-changing and have major impact. Research can be innovative if it improves processes and outcomes. Innovations do not need to be complex. Sometimes the simplest innovations have the most influence. Advances in technology are not the only way to produce innovations. Since joining the OTA Board in 2017, I have seen many innovations in the organisation and practice of occupational therapists. OTA has become a truly national organisation that government and other organisations frequently consult for its views and recommendations. It has changed the way it delivers CPD activities to increase access and improve flexibility for participants. Its support and professional advice to members greatly changed during COVID-19 to ensure timely information was provided. Its lobbying and advocacy have become proactive rather than reactive. This has all occurred due to the desire to be an innovative, high-performing organisation.

The recent OTExchange Conference highlighted many innovations in our profession. Occupational therapists are thinking deeply about how they practise – seeking efficiencies and improvements in how they work with clients. The exhibition spaces at the conference had many examples of innovation. Collaborating with those in other professions and industry sectors to innovate was also very evident. Combining our unique views of how to improve quality of life and participation in occupation has benefits for all. We need to constantly look outside our profession for such opportunities and be open to new ways of doing things.

With the ongoing impact of the pandemic and significant workforce shortages, occupational therapists will need to continue to innovate. OTA will be there to assist and support, also finding new ways to support and enhance Australian occupational therapists.